According to a report by Wall Street Journal, on Sunday November 9, 2025, tensions between the United States and Nigeria have escalated following a controversial threat from President Donald Trump to intervene militarily over alleged mass killings of Christians.
According to Nigerian officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, a U.S. counterpart privately advised Nigeria to “go quiet and wait for the President’s attention to shift,” particularly with Thanksgiving approaching.
The advice comes as Nigeria grapples with a wave of violence, with reports claiming over 7,000 Christians killed in 2025 alone by extremist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants.
The diplomatic spat began on November 1 when Trump, responding to pressure from his evangelical base and citing Fox News reports, accused Nigeria of failing to protect its Christian population. He threatened to cut aid and launch a “guns-a-blazing” military operation if the killings persisted.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swiftly rejected the claims, asserting that his government protects all faiths and calling Trump’s remarks a “miscommunication.” His administration has since engaged in a diplomatic offensive to soothe ties with Washington, a key international partner.
The U.S. suggestion to delay public response reflects a strategy to manage Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy, a tactic also used during his first term with North Korea. A White House official emphasized that the consistent message to Nigeria is to address the violence seriously, hinting at joint action if needed.
Meanwhile, violence continues, with the International Crisis Group noting a complex mix of land disputes and religious tensions fueling the conflict. As Thanksgiving nears, both nations appear poised for behind-the-scenes negotiations, leaving the future of US.-Nigeria relations uncertain. View, More,
Explore More News By Using The Button.